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Local Catholics join in a global celebration

BROTHERS AND SISTERS, GOOD EVENING : Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the central balcony of St. Peter s Basilica at the Vatican Wednesday. Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, who chose the name of Francis, is the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. AP PHOTO

As many Catholics flooded St. Peter's Square in Rome to glimpse the new pope Wednesday, Catholics close to home were also celebrating the momentous occasion.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, who took the name Francis -- the first pope to take that name -- was officially presented to the Catholic world Wednesday afternoon in front of millions of supporters.

The Rev. Robert Bruso of St. Anthony's Church in Fitchburg, said Wednesday that the name the newly elected pope took says a lot about his mission going forward.

"It shows he's not afraid to break the mold. That whole idea that maybe we need someone really looking at ourselves and a real courageous unafraid look at things and changes is refreshing," he said. "There's been so many names that have been used over and over again, and to use a name that hasn't been used in 2,000 years shows a lot. This is a conscious effort on his part to show he's showing something new."

Bruso said that roughly 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in South America and the idea of having a pope from that part of the world is humbling.

"I went to Colombia recently, and no matter the time you went to church it was packed. It was packed, and it was emotional, which is not something you see here," he said.

Bruso did say he wasn't surprised that Cardinal Sean O'Malley was not chosen.

"I would have been surprised if an American had won. We're the last superpower in the world.

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They're all looking to make sure they aren't perceived as an enemy by anyone," he said.

Monsignor Francis T. Goguen of St. Cecilia Parish in Leominster said he was thrilled with the decision, saying the choice was exactly what the church needs right now.

"I think it was a wonderful decision. I think he's a great person. While we don't know much about him, he speaks beautiful Italian, which is great because he is the bishop of Rome and he has to communicate with his people," Goguen said.

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Monsignor Francis T. Goguen, of St. Cecilia Parish in Leominster, watches the news of Pope Francis' election on his tablet and TV in the rectory Wednesday.

Goguen said having someone from South America is a step in the right direction.

"Half the world's Catholics live in South America and almost half of the Catholics in the United States are Hispanic," he said. "It really shows the other cardinals rallied around him. He came out second eight years ago, after Pope Benedict. He looks healthy. God has been good to us again."

Fitchburg City Councilor-at-large Rosemary Reynolds, who was a driving force behind the creation of a Catholic radio station in the city, said she invested in cable television purely to watch the conclave unfold.

"This is a very exciting day. I've been listening intently to everything going on. I got television just to be a part of this," she said. "I noticed him in a picture and I thought he looked like someone who could be pope. He just had that look. I thought it was a long shot. Really and truly I was waiting in anticipation."

She said that when the doors to the balcony opened and his name was announced, she was stunned but believes it will be a good choice in the long run.

"In those first few moments, I saw his compassion. I liked that he prayed for Pope Benedict and then asked everyone in the square to pray for him personally," she said. "He made a wonderful and deep first impression. I think it's interesting the church does not hesitate to call on older people to serve the church. I admire the fact that the church honors the wisdom that these people have gathered over the years and the composure they've gathered over the years. I trust his wisdom."

Parishioners heading into 5:30 p.m. Mass Wednesday at St. Anthony's Church in Fitchburg were pleased overall with the election of Pope Francis.

"I think it's great," Cindi Peterson, 64, of Lunenburg said.

Daisy Bacener, who declined to give her community because she is a probation officer, said she was pleased over the election of the first Latin American pope.

Rose Ingemi-Hare of Fitchburg was also happy.

"I think it's wonderful, and there's a lot of South American priests. I think he'll be a good leader. We should all stand beside him and support him. It's a perfect fit," she said.

Other parishioners were looking to see a U.S. native become elected.

"I was hoping for the United States. We never had one," Muriel Dunn, 76, of Fitchburg said.

Joseph Merrill, a student at St. Anthony School, watched the live presentation at school with his classmates.

Sisters Frances Julian and Inez Ferrari of the Venerini Sisters at Rosemont Convent in Fitchburg were both excited by the news.

"I am totally amazed that a Jesuit was picked," said Sister Frances Julian. She was also glad to see he picked St. Francis over the founder of the Jesuits, St. Ignatius. She added that the Holy Spirit helped aid a wise decision.

Sister Inez Ferrari said Pope Francis will help give a greater voice to Latino Catholics, who are a growing segment of the faith. She commended him for taking lengths to live an impoverished lifestyle as a cardinal, including cooking his own meals and using the bus for transportation.

Bishop Robert J. McManus of the Worcester Diocese said in a statement he was pleased with the decision.

"This is a new day for the Catholic Church. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Cardinals have chosen Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to be the Supreme Pontiff, a cardinal from Buenos Aires, a profoundly prayerful Jesuit, who all are referring to as a man of the people," he said.

He said that while the work is not nearly done, now it a time to reflect on what can be done to further the mission of the church.

"We have much to learn in the coming days and weeks ahead, but today our focus must be on praying in thanksgiving to God for the gift of our Holy Father, Pope Francis I to the world," he said. "I invite all Catholics to follow our Holy Father's first request that we pray for him, joining the people of Rome and of the world, that the Holy Spirit grant him the guidance and wisdom to guide the bark of Peter over the years to come. May he be our Father in Faith so that we may come to know Jesus Christ more closely during his pontificate."

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